Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited on each program to a maximum of thirteen to twenty participants for summer depending on location and thirteen participants for gap. Many ARCC programs fill up early, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Tuition
Each type of ARCC program has specific tuition deadlines outlined below. For all programs, applications submitted after respective tuition deadlines must be accompanied by full payment. Tuition may be paid by debit card, eCheck, wire transfer (with a $25 fee), or credit card (with a 3% processing fee). All payments must be in U.S. dollars. All U.S. dollar drafts, checks and money orders forwarded from outside the United States must be drawn on, and payable by, a U.S. bank.
Refund Policy
Participant withdrawal from programs must be done in writing.
If ARCC cancels a program prior to its starting date, all participant payments (excluding the gap application fee) are fully eligible for a refund or to be transferred to another program. Exclusions include but are not limited to: unforeseen global events, pandemics, and/or governmental border closures. Refunds are not available after the stated deadlines or the start date of said program. Refunds will not be processed automatically. To initiate the refund process, all participants must contact ARCC in writing or by phone.”
It is acknowledged that adverse weather conditions, mechanical issues, alterations to routes, sites, events, or transportation (deemed necessary or desirable by staff), and unforeseen challenges may necessitate itinerary adjustments. If any area or activity must be canceled, efforts will be made to substitute it with a similar alternative.
Both the parent/guardian and the participant understand that ARCC has the right to terminate the participation of any member who refuses to abide by ARCC’s rules and trip policies at any time. In this event, no refund will be granted.
Summer Program Deposit, Tuition, & Refund Policies
Summer Program Deposits:
An $800 deposit is required to secure your placement on a summer program. This deposit is due upon submission of your application. The $800 deposit is applied to the full tuition of the program. This deposit is fully refundable if the applicant is not accepted.
Summer Programs Tuition Deadline:
All summer students who enroll before March 1st have a tuition deadline of March 15th, where all account balances must be settled. Any student who enrolls after March 1st has two weeks from their acceptance date to pay the balance of their summer account. Invoices with payment instructions will be emailed to the contact information on file.
Summer Program Refund Policy:
Enrolled students whose balances are fully paid by October 31st are eligible for a full refund if they withdraw from a program prior to December 15th. All other Summer applicants who withdraw prior to March 15th are eligible for a $500 refund from their $800 deposit. Any additional tuition and airfare payments are non-refundable. If participant withdrawal occurs at any date after March 15th, including after the start date of the program, the participant will forfeit all monies paid.
Gap Deposit, Tuition, & Refund Policies
Gap Application Fee:
A one-time, non-refundable $200 application fee will be processed for applicants of any of our gap semester programs upon receipt of your initial application.
Gap Program Deposits:
After completing the admissions process, accepted students will be offered a position on the gap semester program. To accept the position, a non-refundable deposit is required within one week and is applied to the program tuition balance. The deposit amount is dependent on the date of the acceptance offer:
Fall Gap Program Deposits:
(1) before June 1st, the deposit is $1000
(2) between June 1st & Aug 1st, the deposit is 50% of program tuition
(3) after Aug 1st, 100% of tuition is due within one week.
Spring Gap Program Deposits:
(1) before Nov 15th, the deposit is $1000
(2) between Nov 15th & Jan 15th, the deposit is 50% of program tuition
(3) after Jan 15th, 100% of tuition is due within one week.
Gap Programs Tuition Deadlines:
Fall Gap Semester Tuition Deadlines:
50% of tuition is due June 1st.
Full tuition is due August 1st.
Spring Gap Semester Tuition Deadlines:
50% of tuition is due November 15th.
Full Tuition is due January 15th.
Gap Programs Refund Policy:
Gap program payments are non-refundable in all cases apart from the aforementioned exceptions.
Custom Deposit, Tuition, & Refund Policies
Custom Program Deposits:
ARCC requires a deposit to secure your space on a custom program. The amount of the deposit varies per program and is determined by ARCC and the custom school or other partner. The deposit is applied to the full tuition of the program.
Custom Program Tuition Deadlines:
Tuition payment schedules vary and are specific to each custom program. These schedules are determined together by ARCC and the custom school or other partner.
Custom Program Refund Policy:
Refund policies for custom programs vary and are specific to each custom program. These policies are determined together by ARCC and the custom school or other partner.
Upon Enrollment
Upon final enrollment, each participant will receive general program information, travel information, a clothing and equipment list, general liability release forms, and an ARCC medical form. The ARCC medical form must be filled out and signed by a physician certifying that the participant is in good physical and mental condition. For programs that include SCUBA diving, a separate PADI medical form must be completed by a physician. Please note that PADI may not allow students with certain medical conditions including asthma and/or ADHD to SCUBA dive (depending on country and outfitter). All applicants will be supplied with liability release forms from the professional outfitters with which ARCC contracts throughout the programs. These forms must be signed by the parent/guardian if the participant is under 18.
Zero Tolerance
(A) ARCC does not tolerate the possession or use of any form of tobacco (including vaping, nicotine, and/or cigarette products), any illicit drug (including marijuana and CBD) or misuse of prescription drugs, or alcohol. If a participant is found possessing the above or engaging in one of these activities the participant will be sent home immediately at the expense of the parent/guardian. In such an event, no refunds will be granted. Please note that these terms vary slightly for gap students. See gap student agreement for clarification.
(B) ARCC will not tolerate relationships excluding others, nor relationships of a sexual nature. If a participant is found engaging in one of these activities the participant may be sent home at the expense of the parent/guardian. In such an event, no refunds will be granted. Please note that these terms vary slightly for gap students. See gap student agreement for clarification.
(C) If a participant is found to be disruptive to the program, a disciplinary problem, hazardous to the safety of others, or reflecting adversely upon ARCC, he/she will be sent home at the expense of the parent/guardian. In such an event, no refunds will be granted.
(D) If it comes to light that a student or parent has withheld or not disclosed important medical information, ARCC reserves the right to remove the student from a program at the expense of the parent/guardian. In such an event, no refunds will be granted.
Medical Treatment
ARCC staff shall have the right to deliver medical aid to any ARCC participant. ARCC staff shall also have the right to retain the services of a physician, or if necessary, to hospitalize a participant of an ARCC program. Any expenses related to transportation, physician care, medication, or hospitalization of the participant, as well as all costs incurred by ARCC staff while accompanying the participant and expenses related to leaving and rejoining the group, shall be paid by the parent/guardian.
Medical Insurance
All participants must be covered by medical insurance. We recommend that you check with your insurance carrier as to whether you will be covered for a program of this nature or if your current policy does not cover international programs. If not, we highly recommend that you purchase medical insurance specifically for your program with ARCC.
Personal Property Insurance
ARCC insurance does not cover the theft, loss, or damage of personal property and equipment of program participants. We suggest you confirm that your insurance coverage includes items of this nature. ARCC is not responsible for the theft, loss, or damage of any personal property brought on the program. Participants are strongly encouraged to secure adequate personal property insurance to cover any potential loss or damage during their trip. ARCC is not liable for any personal belongings left unattended or for any incidents beyond its control.
Travel Insurance
Because of the severe financial consequences of cancellation after withdrawal deadlines, travel insurance is highly encouraged. ARCC recommends Travel Guard insurance and their “Cancel For Any Reason Policies” for families: travelguard.com/travel-insurance/benefits/cancel-for-any-reason. You will receive additional information on options for purchasing travel insurance in your enrollment package.
Photography Release
At times, ARCC uses images, both still and video, of our students for promotional purposes. ARCC shall have the right to use these images without recourse or compensation.
I am/my child is enthusiastic about participating in the program. We understand that an enjoyable and fulfilling experience with ARCC depends on a positive attitude, on a willingness to contribute to the whole group, and on a willingness to participate enthusiastically in the program’s activities. We understand that disruptive behavior, the use or possession of any form of tobacco, any alcoholic product, or any illegal drug will result in an immediate return home, at my own expense, and without refund. We have read, understand, and agree to abide by the application guidelines, payment schedule, refund policy, general information, and other ARCC terms as stated.
Force Majeure
ARCC shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under these Terms & Conditions if such failure or delay is caused by events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, natural disasters, war, terrorism, strikes, acts of government or regulatory authorities, pandemics, epidemics, governmental border closures, civil unrest, or other unforeseen events. In the event of such circumstances, ARCC reserves the right to cancel, delay, or modify the program as necessary.
If a program is affected by a force majeure event, ARCC will make reasonable efforts to offer a suitable alternative or to transfer the participant to another program. However, ARCC is not liable for any additional costs, expenses, or losses incurred due to the force majeure event.